vellum etymology

Etymology and Origin

  • Latin: vellum ("calfskin")
  • Old French: veel ("calf")
  • Proto-Germanic: kalbaz ("calf")
  • Proto-Indo-European: gʰelbh-/gʷʰalbʰ- ("womb")

The word "vellum" originally referred to the skin of a young calf, which was commonly used to make parchment for writing. The connection to the womb likely derives from the calf being born from the cow's womb.

Meaning

Vellum refers to a high-quality writing material made from the prepared skin of a calf or other animal, traditionally used for important documents, manuscripts, and artistic works.

Characteristics

Vellum is distinguished by its:

  • Smooth, parchment-like surface
  • Durability and longevity
  • Resistance to moisture and fading
  • Pale, natural color that can be dyed or illuminated

Uses

Throughout history, vellum has been used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Religious manuscripts (e.g., Bibles, prayer books)
  • Legal documents (e.g., charters, contracts)
  • Art (e.g., illuminated manuscripts, paintings)
  • Bookbinding

vellum relate terms

  • veal

    Etymology The word veal originates from the Old English word vealf which means calf

  • wether

    Etymology of whether Whether is derived from the Old English word hwæðer which m

  • veteran

    Etymology The word veteran originates from the Latin word veteranus meaning one wh

  • mushroom

    Etymology The word mushroom has its origins in the Old French word mouscheron which

  • grogram

    Etymology Middle English grogram from Old French grosgrain from Late Latin grossus

  • vellum

    Etymology and Origin Latin vellum calfskin Old French veel calf Proto Germanic

  • venom

    Etymology The word venom comes from the Latin word venenum which means poison It

  • pumice

    Etymology of Pumice The word pumice originates from the Latin word pumex which mea

  • parchment

    Etymology The word parchment comes from the Old French word parchemin which in turn

  • diaspora

    Etymology The word diaspora originates from the Greek word διασπορά diaspora

  • hold

    Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

  • revival

    Etymology The word revival comes from the Middle English word reviven which in turn

  • strategy

    Etymology The word strategy comes from the Greek word strategia which means the a

  • stoic

    Etymology The word stoic is derived from the Greek word Στωικός Stoikos wh

  • desultory

    Etymology The word desultory originates from the Latin word desultor which means v

  • explode

    Etymology Explode is derived from the Latin term explodere which means to drive out